Objective: To assess the effects of prenatal hypnotherapy classes on the length of labour, use of pain medication,
intervention rates, maternal pain perception and maternal satisfaction.
Design: Retrospective survey completed by the woman and her partner.
Subjects: Self-referred clients, nulliparous (first baby) and low risk.Setting: Toronto, CanadaIntervention: Three sessions of 2.5 to 3 hours in length in a group setting in mid-pregnancy, plus one session of 2.5 hours
in length in late pregnancy. The sessions were provided by a Certified Hypnotherapist. The woman’s partner was trained to provide additional hypnosis support during the birth as needed (the hypnotherapist did not attend the births).Outcome Measures: Anesthetic and analgesic requirements, duration of the early, active and second stages, planned place of birth and actual place of birth, interventions required, pain scale of 0-10 as reported by the mother post-delivery, breastfeeding rates and reported maternal satisfaction.

The total number of participants who received an interventionwas 8 for a rate of 18%. (Some women received more than one intervention.)

Breastfeeding without formula supplementation: 93%, n=42
Length of labour
The average length of active labour for nulliparous women is 12 hours. Participants in the Hypnosis for Childbirth series averaged 4.5 hours of active labour.
The average length of pushing for nulliparous women is about 2 hours. Participants in the Hypnosis for Childbirth series averaged just over 1 hour.
Hypnosis is associated with faster births (statistically significant) throughout the research for both the first and second stages of labour.Medication rates
The epidural rate in Toronto and Mississauga ranges from 40 to 95% for nulliparous women.
This survey notes an 18% epidural rate for Hypnosis for Childbirth participants (11% for caesarians and forceps, 7% for maternal request).
This survey’s reduction in medication use is supported by statistically significant reductions in other research for women using hypnosis preparation for birth.
Caesarian rates
The caesarian section rate in Toronto ranges from 20 to 25%, depending on the institutional setting. This survey notes a caesarian section rate of 6.7% for Hypnosis for Childbirth participants. Other research also notes the reduction of birth interventions with the prenatal use of hypnosis.
Notes
a. The one planned homebirth delivered in the hospital was a change of plans in late pregnancy based on a poor biophysical profile (94% successful homebirth rate). Of the 15 planned homebirths at the onset of labour, 100% delivered at home. All planned hospital births delivered in the hospital.
b. The three maternal requests for epidurals were highly correlated to unfavourable fetal positioning (ie. posterior presentation). The other five epidurals were for caesarians (3) and forceps (2).
c. Breech presentation (n=1) at term; fetal distress/prolonged labour/posterior (n=1); fetal distress and poor descent in second stage (n=1).
d. Fetal distress (n=2); poor descent (n=1).
e. Three of the eight had no additional interventions; five of the eight had epidurals (3), forceps (2) and nubaine (1). An additional four were midwifery clients who induced at home using either homeopathy or castor oil (9%). No additional interventions were noted with this group.As a result of the Hypnosis for Childbirth series a very high percentage of women reported an increased sense of self-confidence prior to the onset of labour. In addition, 96% were pleased at the use of hypnosis, would use hypnosis in a subsequent birth and recommend its use to other women planning natural childbirthWomen who would use this method again: 96%, n=43